Va company reopening poultry processing facility

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A newly formed Harrisonburg company is planning to reopen a former Pilgrim's Pride poultry processing facility, creating the equivalent of 102 full-time jobs.

Gov. Bob McDonnell said Monday that Shenandoah Processing will invest more than $2.2 million in the project.

The company also plans to purchase an additional $160 million of Virginia grown poultry over the next three years. The facility will serve the growing market for organically raised and "all-natural" chicken.

Officials say the facility start-up will involve Shenandoah Processing leasing the facility and up-fitting with processing equipment. It will go from processing approximately 20,000 birds a day in year one to 30,000 birds a day in year two to 50,000 birds a day in year three.